What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Cholesterol may deposit in the walls of the coronary arteries, causing them to become narrowed or blocked. The deposition of cholesterol plaques in the walls of arteries is called atherosclerosis.

When coronary arteries become so narrowed, they may impede blood flow to the heart muscle. This may result in chest pain (called angina), may cause a heart attack, and may result in a weakened heart muscle.

The cholesterol plaques can spontaneously rupture which causes a blood clot to form within the artery and results in a sudden lack of blood flow (and thus oxygen) to the heart muscle. This is called a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. It is not entirely clear what causes certain cholesterol plaques to rupture.

There are a number of tests that can be performed in order to diagnose the presence of coronary artery disease. These include different types of stress tests. The stress may either be exercise on a treadmill or bicycle, or a ‘pharmacologic stress’ (using a medication to stress the heart).

About Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research

Through an integrated program of outstanding research, world-class education, and exceptional clinical care, the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research will provide the world with new diagnoses, treatments and tools to help people prevent, manage and survive the devastating consequences of heart failure.